Prof Francis Petersen, new VC of the University of Pretoria, on leading one of Africa’s top universities
Prof Francis Petersen became Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria in October 2024, starting a new chapter in his already illustrious career in education. He was most recently Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Free State, where he was lauded for his focus on stability and transformation. He has previously served at a variety of higher education institutions and organisations in his industry. He is an engineer by training. In this episode, he chats to us about:His leadership style and personal philosophies; Lessons learned from his industry and previous executive roles;The strategies and approaches that have shaped him as a leader;His vision for taking UP to new heights; andHow micro-credentialing, partnerships and more will be a part of the future.Find us by going to www.up.ac.za/leadup and clicking on Podcasts. To listen, you can stream, download, and subscribe online or on your favourite podcast app on your phone. Help us out by rating and reviewing us. LeadUP is a production of the University of Pretoria’s Alumni Office. Our host is Lennox Wasara and our team includes Elna Schütz and Samantha Castle. Our technical engineers are Meropa Communications, with language and marketing services from Brightlight SA Communications.
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Clement Manyathela, experienced broadcaster, on finding his on-air style
Clement Manyathela is known for asking tough questions of some of the biggest politicians and changemakers in South Africa and beyond. After completing his BA degree at the University of Pretoria in 2013, he worked for the likes of Power FM, Eyewitness News, and Newzroom Afrika. Now he hosts The Clement Manyathela Show on Radio 702, and a show on eNCA.On this episode, he chats to us about:What running marathons has taught him;Defining his style as an interviewer; Some of his favourite interviews; What he would do if he were the president; and His next steps and dreams for the future.Find us by going to www.up.ac.za/leadup and clicking on Podcasts. To listen, you can stream, download, and subscribe online or on your favourite podcast app on your phone. Help us out by rating and reviewing us. New episodes for Season 4 are out on the last Tuesday of every second month until 26 November. LeadUP is a production of the University of Pretoria’s Alumni Office. Our host is Lennox Wasara and our team includes Elna Schütz and Samantha Castle. Our technical engineers are Meropa Communications, with language and marketing services from Brightlight SA Communications.
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Tatjana Smith, Olympic gold medallist, on swimming for hope.
Tatjana Smith (formerly Schoenmaker) is a top South African female swimmer and University of Pretoria alumna (BCom Financial Sciences, 2020), who became a hero to millions throughout her country when she won gold and silver medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In July 2024 she heads to the 2024 Paris Olympics with high hopes and heaps of humility.On this episode, she chats to us about:How she discovered her passion for swimming in her teens. The support network that kept her focused on her purpose.What the Tokyo Olympics meant to her – and how it took her by surprise. Her state of mind as she heads into the 2024 Olympics.How her purpose is focused on giving hope to others. Find us by going to www.up.ac.za/leadup and clicking on Podcasts. To listen, you can stream, download, and subscribe online or on your favourite podcast app on your phone. Help us out by rating and reviewing us. New episodes are out on the last Tuesday of every second month. LeadUP is a production of the University of Pretoria’s Alumni Office. Our host is Lennox Wasara and our team includes Elna Schütz and Samantha Castle. Our technical engineers are Meropa Communications, with language and marketing services from Brightlight SA Communications.
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Abdullah Verachia, global strategist, on how to face a disruptive world
Abdullah Verachia is CEO of The Strategists, Head of Faculty for Strategy and Sustainability at the University of Pretoria’s business school, the Gordon Institute of Business Science, and Programme Director of the Harvard Senior Executive Programme For Africa, among other accolades. He is also a globally renowned public speaker and the author of Disruption Amplified: Reset. Rewire. Reimagine Everything.On this episode, he chats to us about:How his childhood Model UN experience led him to his future.His pivot from law to other fields of expertise. How he helps companies face a disruptive world.His strategies for turning challenges into opportunities. How education can adapt to the current environment. Find us by going to www.up.ac.za/leadup and clicking on Podcasts. To listen, you can stream, download, and subscribe online or on your favourite podcast app on your mobile device. Help us out by rating and reviewing us. New episodes are out on the last Tuesday of every second month. LeadUP is a production of the University of Pretoria’s Alumni Office. Our host is Lennox Wasara and our team includes Elna Schütz and Samantha Castle. Our technical engineers are Meropa Communications, with language and marketing services from Brightlight SA Communications.-UP is gearing up for its third annual UP Giving Day which takes place on 22 July. Giving Day forms part of UP’s three-year Giving Matters campaign, launched in July 2022 and designed to raise funds for students in the 'missing middle' category. The campaign aims to raise R100 million over three years and has raised more than R82 million in new funds since its launch, providing bursaries and scholarships to more than 407 students and supporting various projects at UP. Let’s help UP to hit the R100 million target and make a difference in the lives of students who need it most. Donate today: www.givingday.up.ac.za
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Sipho Ngwenya, media executive and former child star, on how to find your space in the entertainment industry
Sipho Ngwenya, formerly known as Psyfo, was a child star before becoming a household name playing Ajax on Generations. After a successful period as a musician, he received his MBA from the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), and is now a senior manager at Showmax. On this episode, he chats to us about:Lessons he’s learned from achieving fame and success early on. How he’s transitioned between different parts of the entertainment industry.Dedicating a lot of time and effort to his studies.Supporting the entertainment industry from a management perspective.The future of content that targets African audiences. Find us by going to www.up.ac.za/leadup and clicking on Podcasts. To listen, you can stream, download, and subscribe online or on your favourite podcast app on your phone. Help us out by rating and reviewing us. LeadUP is a production of the University of Pretoria’s Alumni Office. Our host is Lennox Wasara and our team includes Elna Schütz and Samantha Castle. Our technical engineers are Meropa Communications.
Alumni and friends of the University of Pretoria (UP) share their stories and leadership lessons on this podcast by the leading contact university in Africa. Prominent UP alumni from across disciplines – from business and law to medicine and the arts – share details about where their journey has taken them after their time at Tuks, and what they’ve learned along the way. LeadUP is a project of the Alumni Relations Office of the University of Pretoria. You can find out more about us or get in touch at up.ac.za/leadup.
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